Her work mirrors the rhythms, patterns, and fluidity of nature highlighting a universal interconnectedness and the importance of environmental stewardship. “Brilliant, haunting and beautiful… her music will continue to connect us with our space and time.” (Oregon ArtsWatch) Grossman’s upbringing in Berkeley, California and later travels offered first-hand exposure to many musical cultures, including traditional American and Jewish folk tunes and music of Japan, Bali, and India. “The overall effect is that of a coherent, multicultural artistic vision” (SE Examiner) characterized by “wonderfully deep phrases… and a rich tapestry of melodic lines.” (NW Reverb)

Her projects include a collaboration with Italian artist Monica Marcenaro on a series of chamber works paired with watercolors of the Oregon Coast and the Italian Riviera. Organizations commissioning or presenting Deena’s music include Chamber Music Northwest, The Portland Japanese Garden, Leach Botanical Garden, the Portland Youth Philharmonic, Left Edge Percussion, Music a la Carte, 45th Parallel Universe, and Fear No Music. Grossman’s discography encompasses three highly acclaimed portrait albums: the “fantastic… [and] transportive” (Oregon ArtsWatch) Thrice Burned Forest; Becoming Durga, “an expansive sonic landscape of natural and spiritual realms masterfully crafted through a variety of cultural lenses” (SE Examiner); and Wildfires and Waterways, a “stunning album… You may never look at a river again without hearing music, this music”  (National Flute Association Quarterly).

Grossman has worked closely with some of classical music’s most forward-thinking and influential figures of the 20th century including Lou Harrison and Thea Musgrave. With formative studies at the University of California Santa Barbara and The Center for World Music, she received a Master of Music degree from Rice University, Shepherd School of Music. A resident of Portland, Oregon, Grossman writes “environmental music [that] poignantly expresses the mission and values of Columbia Riverkeeper, where she is composer-in-residence.” (Oregon ArtsWatch)